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In the past few months, the FDA has approved several over-the-counter COVID tests so you don’t have to go to a testing center to find out if you have the coronavirus. Starting this week, you can Get an antigen self-test from Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS.
What is an antigen test?
This is not a PCR test that is considered the most accurate method of testing for a current infection. And it’s not an antibody test that can tell you if you’ve had COVID at any point in the past.
Instead, the presence of a protein from the coronavirus is tested. The BinaxNOW brand, which will be available in stores this week, is priced at $ 23.99 for a pack of two tests. You should use both of them a few days apart.
Several other brands should be available soon, including the Ellume COVID-19 home test and the Quidel QuickVue. All promises are made in about 15 minutes. According to CVS, the Ellume costs $ 38.99 and only requires one test.
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Can this replace a test before departure?
No, because you need documentation of the results, but there are tests at home that can provide documentation. For example, BinaxNOW also does A test that you can take at homebut with a provider to walk you through the process during a video call. A six-pack costs $ 150, or $ 25 per test. Labcorp is doing a PCR test Here you can take the sample yourself at home and send the swab to the laboratory for results. This is $ 119 out of pocket, but if you meet certain requirements the company can bill your insurance or use federal funds to make it free for you.